Understanding The Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals

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By Timothy Clark


A cymbal is one of the percussion instruments that are very common. Cymbals get used in pairs in most cases. The instrument is made of thin, circular plates. The plates are usually constructed from metal alloys of different kinds. Most cymbals have indefinite pitch. However, definite notes have been known to be produced by small, disc-shaped varieties whose designs are based on traditional designs. Istanbul Mehmet cymbals are some of the commonest percussion instruments that are employed in a wide range of events.

The term cymbal has its origin in the Latin term, cymbalum. Cymbalum is a Latinized version of the Greek term kymbalon. The term kymbalon is in turn derived from the word cup, bowl. In orchestral scores, words from different languages may be used to indicate cymbals. Some amongthe languages used in orchestral scores are French, Italian, Spanish, and German. The different words in the various languages are derived from the term plates.

A cymbal has its origin in the ancient world. Historical evidence regarding the existence of cymbals in the ancient worlds can be found in representations in caves in different places. Some among the places where the instrument was in wide use include Assyria, Anatolia, Larsa, ancient Greece, Babylon, ancient Rome, and Hittite. Several Bible verses also reference the use of the instrument to praise God.

It is believed that China was introduced to this instrument around the third or fourth century AD. In Turkish janissaries, the instrument was in use in the fourteenth century or earlier. Europe was introduced to the instrument in the seventeenth century, where it was commonly used in orcherstras and military bands. Diversity in the techniques, hardware, and shapes of the instrument started to change around the nineteenth century as some composers called for larger roles to be played by the device in musical works.

A cymbal makes sound that is largely determined by its anatomy, features and structure. There is a hole going through the center, which is used to mount the device onto stands. The holes also offer a way for attaching straps for hand playing the gadget. The area joining to the hole is often raised. The raised area goes by the name cup, bell, or dome.

Cups produce higher pitched sounds than other regions on the device. The cup is surrounded immediately by an area called a bow. Bows are comprised of two other areas, that is, the ride area and the crash area. The ride region has more thickness and it appears closer to the bell. Conversely, the crash region appears closer to edges and is thinner.

The rim or edge refers to the immediate circumference of the instrument. The diameter is the main factor based upon in measuring the instrument. Centimeters or inches are the main units of measurement used. Size affects sound production a lot. Sounds in larger cymbals are louder and are characterized by a longer sustain.

The weight of a cymbal is described by its thickness. Thickness is significant to the kind of sound produced and the general playing of the instrument. Those that are heavier produce louder volumes that are more cut. Heavy instruments also have better stick articulation. In a thinner cymbal, the sound is fuller. They also have lower pitch and quicker response.




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